Press Kit
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ANNUAL EVENTS
Southern Nevada is renowned for its non-stop gaming excitement, thrilling nightlife and spectacular lights. But Southern Nevada has also gained a reputation as a prime place for special events beyond the requisite boxing title fight. Visitors can sit ringside at National Finals Rodeo, get close to the stars at the Latin Grammy Awards or enjoy the action at a multitude of collegiate and professional athletic events. Some of the more high-profile annual events include:
JANUARY:
Laughlin Winter Break - January 8-14, 2010
Winter Break is a festival celebrating life to the fullest, targeting the 50+ age group. It is modeled after a traditional Spring Break along the banks of the Colorado River. The festival offers non-stop activities and events including dancing, wine tasting, live entertainment, a classic car show, arts and crafts, educational seminars and specially
themed socials.
SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge - Dates TBD
For the 15th year, Laughlin is the title series sponsor in the six-race circuit of SCORE International Off-Road Racing where 16 classes of desert race cars and exotic race trucks will participate in this event. From sunrise to sunset, the racers will heat up the desert course with a start/finish in a specially made stadium-style spectator area located at the Laughlin Events Park. Other ancillary events include a Contingency Row/Tech Inspection and the always popular "Laughlin Leap" jump contest.
Mesquite Classic Car Show - Dates TBD
Mesquite Motor Mania attracts vehicles of all years, makes and models from surrounding states. The event is sponsored by the Mesquite Resort Association; CasaBlanca; Oasis; Eureka; Virgin River and presented by the Las Vegas Cruisin' Association. Events include Show & Shine, Roaring Engines Competition, Slow Drags and Burn-out Contests. For more information, visit www.mesquitecarshows.com.
Miss America Pageant - January 30, 2010
With the addition of Miss Puerto Rico this year, there will be 53 Miss America contestants vying for the crown in Interview, Lifestyle & Fitness, Talent and Evening Wear competitions at Planet Hollwood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The two hour pageant will air live on TLC. For more information, please visit www.missamerica.org.
FEBRUARY:
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Launch Event - February 2010
Las Vegas will host a series of events throughout the destination and across the U.S. to celebrate the launch of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise, including the annual, marquee consumer-facing CLUB SI SWIMSUIT event. Plans are underway for multiple days of events in the "Entertainment Capital of the World" featuring the SI SWIMSUIT models from the 2010 issue. For more information, please visit www.si.com.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Weekend - February 26 - 28, 2010
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway will once again host NASCAR weekend. Events include Pole Day for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series and the 13th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com.
MARCH:
West Coast Conference Basketball Championships - March 5 - 8, 2010
For the second consecutive year, the WCC will hold its premier event at a neutral site. The WCC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships moved to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas in 2009. For more information, please visit ww.wccsports.com.
2010 Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships - March 9 - 13, 2010
The Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships will be held at Thomas & Mack Center and will feature all 18 men's and women's teams competing for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. For more nformation, visit www.themwc.com.
Laughlin River Stampede Rodeo - Dates TBD
The Laughlin River Stampede is ranked in the top 20 among more than 700 rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) nationwide each year. A nearly quarter-of-a-million-dollar purse is offered to cowboys and cowgirls in the 15th Annual PRCA Rodeo. As many as 700 participants compete in eight traditional rodeo events, including bareback bronc riding, team roping and bull riding. Entertainment, vendor booths and Southwestern-style fun at the area resorts round out the very popular Laughlin River Stampede celebration.
Big League Weekend - Dates TBD
Major League Baseball will once again return to the Silver State with a total of four exhibition games featuring the 2009 National League Central Division Champions and the 2009 American League Central Division Champions.
APRIL:
NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals - April 2010
Every April and October, the top drag racers in the world converge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for two of the major races on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Laughlin River Run - April 2010
More than 60,000 bikers roar into Laughlin each year for the largest Harley-Davidson ride-in rally in the West.
Rolex FEI World Cup Finals - April 2010
The Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in both show jumping and dressage will return to Las Vegas. This will mark the sixth time that Las Vegas hosts the FEI World Cup Finals and only the third time ever that the world's premier annual championships in the two Olympic equestrian disciplines are held concurrently.
Miss USA Pageant - April 2010
The glamour and glitz of Miss USA will return to Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on NBC from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Each contestant from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. For more information, please visit www.missuniverse.com.
Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&R Festival - April 2010
Michael Schivo Presents has teamed up with Las Vegas Events (LVE), the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), 105.7 Smooth Jazz, KJLH Radio Free and KTWV radio - The Wave in Los Angeles -- to co-sponsor the 18th Annual Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz Festival. By popular demand, the festival now has a new location at Government Amphitheater. For more information, please visit www.yourjazz.com.
MAY:
Vegas Uncork'd - May 6 - 9, 2010
The 4rd Annual Vegas Uncork'd epicurean events, presented by Bon Appétit magazine, will be held in the Entertainment Capital of the World". Featuring Las Vegas' top culinary talent-including celebrated chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Tom Colicchio, Todd English and Bobby Flay-Vegas Uncork'd is made possible by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and anchored by Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and Wynn Las Vegas. Co-sponsored by Greenspun Media Group and Southern Wine & Spirits, Vegas Uncork'd is known for creating an extraordinary culinary experience for visitors and showcases a selection of star-studded events across
the city. For more information, please visit www.vegasuncorked.com.
Supercross Series National Finals - May 2010
The Supercross Series is an off-road motorcycle race. Widely regarded as the king of extreme sports, Amp'd Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series is considered the NASCAR of motocross. Some of the world's greatest athletes compete in what has been described as the most physically demanding sport in existence.
For more information, go to supercrossonline.com
Laughlin Weekend of Wheels - May 2010
This third annual event will feature cars, cars and more cars. Various activities will include Show 'n' Shines; Slow Drag, Burn-Out and Roaring Engine Competitions; a Poker Trivia Walk; Free Live Oldies Music and Entertainment; Peoples Choice/Crowd Pleaser Trophies and Awards; Drawings and Give-Away Prizes, Vendors; and a Car &
Parts Corral.
Las Vegas Helldorado Days - May 2010
A Las Vegas tradition since 1934, Helldorado Days recaptures the spirit of the Old West. Helldorado features a PRCA rodeo, spectacular parade, western village, poker and golf tournaments and a host of other events.
Mesquite Amateur Golf Championship - May 2010
Now in its eighth year, the Mesquite Amateur is one of the nation's largest amateur golf tournaments. A 54-hole net championship allows players from different genders, age groups and handicap ranges to compete against each other.
JUNE:
CineVegas Film Festival - June 2010
The 12th Annual CineVegas Film Festival will be held in June 2010 at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres. CineVegas combines the excitement of red carpet premieres (such as OCEAN'S 13 in 2007 and THE ROCKER and GET SMART in 2008) with the glitz and glamour of Vegas. The Festival annually presents the best new independent films, documentaries and shorts, as well as parties up and down the famed Las Vegas strip. Each year, CineVegas also includes in-depth celebrity tributes with some of today's most talented actors and directors, including Viggo Mortensen, Don Cheadle, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Penn and Jack Nicholson. Trevor Groth, a senior programmer at the iconic Sundance Film Festival, serves as the Artistic Director for CineVegas. And since 2004, famed actor, director and artist Dennis Hopper has served as Chairman of the CineVegas Creative Advisory Board.
FSE Vegas Cruise - June 2010
The 10th Annual Vegas Cruise will roll into downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. An estimated 200 pre-1972 show quality cars will be on display. Participants spend the day under the canopy displaying their vehicles and then dance the night away to free concerts featuring the classic tunes of the 50s & 60s.
Laughlin River Days - June 2010
Fans can watch lightweight tunnel boats race on the Colorado River at speeds in excess of 135 mph at Laughlin River Days. These high-performance powerboats challenge the most seasoned professionals, with the sharpest and fastest turns on the water.
JULY:
Rockets Over the River - July 4, 2009
The annual Independence Day fireworks show in Laughlin is open to the public at no cost with viewing space available along the entire Laughlin River Walk. Choreographed music simulcast by Laughlin resorts and radio stations surround the town and accompany the patriotic pyrotechnics.
NBA Summer League - July 10 - 19, 2009
Get ready for some great sporting action as the NBA returns to Las Vegas for Summer League. The Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion will once again host some of the top up-and-coming stars in the NBA with Summer League games July 10-19. The NBA Summer League provides recently drafted rookies their first taste of professional level
competition and lets free agent veterans try to earn a roster spot on a new team.
AUGUST:
Fantasy Football Super Draft - August 27 - 30, 2009
Las Vegas will be the home for the kickoff of fantasy football season with the Fantasy Football Super Draft 2009 from August 27 - 30. The destination will host an entire weekend of activities, draft parties and specials to mark the start of another season. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic will perform at the opening tailgate party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on August 28 and a surprise performance is slated for another tailgate party at The Mirage. Draft rooms will be full of action with owners mulling over their options for quarterback, wide receiver, defense and more on August 29 at The Mirage and Hard Rock.
SEPTEMBER:
SCORE Primm 300 - September 11 - 13, 2009
The 13th annual SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300 will feature the top off-road drivers as they test their skills on a challenging desert course. The start/finish line is located near Buffalo Bill's Resort, which is approximately 35 miles south of Las Vegas along Interstate 15. For more information, please visit www.score-international.com.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race - September 26, 2009
This year marks the 14th season for the NASCAR Truck Series in Las Vegas. This fall, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com.
OCTOBER:
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event - October 8 - 10, 2009
Collector car auctions have enjoyed mainstream popularity in the past few years thanks in large part to Barrett-Jackson. Now the famous auction company will come to Las Vegas for an auction event featuring approximately 600 classic cars at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Cars range from muscle cars to pre-war antiques.
Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open (PGA Tour) - October 12 - 18, 2009
Top PGA Tour golfers compete in Las Vegas for one of the largest purses on the PGA Tour. The action takes place at TPC Summerlin and features professional and pro-am competitions, celebrity events and a kids clinic with Justin Timberlake. For moe information, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com.
RE/MAX World Long Drive Championships - October 25 - 30, 2009
Held annually in Mesquite, the longest hitters in the game of golf compete in the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship. For more information, please visit www.longdrivers.com.
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series - October 29 - November 1, 2009
The sheer power and speed of the NHRA returns to Las Vegas for 23 races featuring the top drag racers in the world. Four professional racing classes will headline the competition including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com.
Professional Bull Riders World Finals - October 29 - November 8, 2009
The 2009 Professional Bull Riders' (PBR) Built Ford Tough World Finals presented by Wrangler will showcase the greatest bull riding athletes in Las Vegas at Thomas & Mack Center. This event features eight rounds of competition, 45 of the world's bravest professional bull riders and 300 of the toughest bucking bulls on the planet.
NOVEMBER:
Latin Grammy Awards - November 5, 2009
The 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center for the second time. Nominations will be announced Sept. 17, 2009.
Wendy's Three-Tour Challenge - November 6 - 10, 2009
The 18th Annual Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge, benefiting adoption, is a professional golf tournament pitting the top three players from the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours against each other for tour bragging rights and a share of a $1 million purse. Golfers will play Rio Secco and Cascata golf courses in Las Vegas.
DECEMBER:
Miss Rodeo America Pageant - December 2009
The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held annually in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. State rodeo queens compete for the coveted crown of Miss Rodeo America by competing in the areas of appearance, horsemanship and personality. For more information, please visit www.missrodeoamerica.com.
FSE Holiday Festival - December 2009
Fremont Street Experience hosts its annual 12-day Holiday Festival each December featuring millions of twinking lights, a classic Santa with sassy showgirls and live world-class entertainment. Festivities kick-off with the official holiday tree lighting by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and continues with nightly holiday shows. For more
information, visit www.vegasexperience.com.
FSE Downtown Hoedown - December 2009
Fremont Street Experience hosts the kick-off party for the National Finals Rodeo featuring free, live concerts and plenty of two-steppin' fun. For more information, visit www.vegasexperience.com .
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo - December 3 - 12, 2009
For nearly two weeks surrounding the world's greatest rodeo, Las Vegas immerses itself in the spirit of the American West. Featuring Cowboy Christmas, Miss Rodeo America, and concerts by country music's brightest stars, the NFR is a celebration of cowboy culture, Vegas style. For more information, please visit www.nfrexperience.com.
NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show - December 3 - 12, 2009
The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, the longest-running and only official gift show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodea, returns to Las Vegas with more wares to keep even the most avid shopper entertained all ten days. Conveniently located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show floor spans more than 300,000 square feet and includes more than 400 vendors selling jewelry, western wear, boots, art and much more.
Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon - December 6, 2009
Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas is now part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, a national series of musically themed marathons and half marathons. The concept combines live entertainment with 26.2- and 13.1-mile race courses starting on Las Vegas Boulevard near Mandalay Bay. The race draws more than 20,000 runners and walkers and includes run-through weddings and running Elvis excitement. For more information, please visit www.rnrvegas.com.
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl - December 22, 2009
The Las Vegas Bowl features the second selection from the Mountain West Conference and the fifth selection from the Pac-10 Conference. The game is televised nationally on ESPN from Sam Boyd Stadium. The bowl game attracts more than 40,000 fans annually. For more information, please visit www.lvbowl.com.
America's Party: Las Vegas New Year - December 31, 2009
America's Party is the official moniker coined by the LVCVA and Las Vegas Events to signify the annual citywide celebration of New Year's Eve. Festivities include a themed fireworks extravaganza on the Las Vegas Strip and live concerts and fireworks under the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience.
For more information, go to www.LasVegasEvents.com.
Southern Nevada is renowned for its non-stop gaming excitement, thrilling nightlife and spectacular lights. But Southern Nevada has also gained a reputation as a prime place for special events beyond the requisite boxing title fight. Visitors can sit ringside at National Finals Rodeo, get close to the stars at the Latin Grammy Awards or enjoy the action at a multitude of collegiate and professional athletic events. Some of the more high-profile annual events include:
JANUARY:
Laughlin Winter Break - January 8-14, 2010
Winter Break is a festival celebrating life to the fullest, targeting the 50+ age group. It is modeled after a traditional Spring Break along the banks of the Colorado River. The festival offers non-stop activities and events including dancing, wine tasting, live entertainment, a classic car show, arts and crafts, educational seminars and specially
themed socials.
SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge - Dates TBD
For the 15th year, Laughlin is the title series sponsor in the six-race circuit of SCORE International Off-Road Racing where 16 classes of desert race cars and exotic race trucks will participate in this event. From sunrise to sunset, the racers will heat up the desert course with a start/finish in a specially made stadium-style spectator area located at the Laughlin Events Park. Other ancillary events include a Contingency Row/Tech Inspection and the always popular "Laughlin Leap" jump contest.
Mesquite Classic Car Show - Dates TBD
Mesquite Motor Mania attracts vehicles of all years, makes and models from surrounding states. The event is sponsored by the Mesquite Resort Association; CasaBlanca; Oasis; Eureka; Virgin River and presented by the Las Vegas Cruisin' Association. Events include Show & Shine, Roaring Engines Competition, Slow Drags and Burn-out Contests. For more information, visit www.mesquitecarshows.com.
Miss America Pageant - January 30, 2010
With the addition of Miss Puerto Rico this year, there will be 53 Miss America contestants vying for the crown in Interview, Lifestyle & Fitness, Talent and Evening Wear competitions at Planet Hollwood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The two hour pageant will air live on TLC. For more information, please visit www.missamerica.org.
FEBRUARY:
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Launch Event - February 2010
Las Vegas will host a series of events throughout the destination and across the U.S. to celebrate the launch of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise, including the annual, marquee consumer-facing CLUB SI SWIMSUIT event. Plans are underway for multiple days of events in the "Entertainment Capital of the World" featuring the SI SWIMSUIT models from the 2010 issue. For more information, please visit www.si.com.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Weekend - February 26 - 28, 2010
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway will once again host NASCAR weekend. Events include Pole Day for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series and the 13th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com.
MARCH:
West Coast Conference Basketball Championships - March 5 - 8, 2010
For the second consecutive year, the WCC will hold its premier event at a neutral site. The WCC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships moved to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas in 2009. For more information, please visit ww.wccsports.com.
2010 Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships - March 9 - 13, 2010
The Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships will be held at Thomas & Mack Center and will feature all 18 men's and women's teams competing for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. For more nformation, visit www.themwc.com.
Laughlin River Stampede Rodeo - Dates TBD
The Laughlin River Stampede is ranked in the top 20 among more than 700 rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) nationwide each year. A nearly quarter-of-a-million-dollar purse is offered to cowboys and cowgirls in the 15th Annual PRCA Rodeo. As many as 700 participants compete in eight traditional rodeo events, including bareback bronc riding, team roping and bull riding. Entertainment, vendor booths and Southwestern-style fun at the area resorts round out the very popular Laughlin River Stampede celebration.
Big League Weekend - Dates TBD
Major League Baseball will once again return to the Silver State with a total of four exhibition games featuring the 2009 National League Central Division Champions and the 2009 American League Central Division Champions.
APRIL:
NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals - April 2010
Every April and October, the top drag racers in the world converge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for two of the major races on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Laughlin River Run - April 2010
More than 60,000 bikers roar into Laughlin each year for the largest Harley-Davidson ride-in rally in the West.
Rolex FEI World Cup Finals - April 2010
The Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in both show jumping and dressage will return to Las Vegas. This will mark the sixth time that Las Vegas hosts the FEI World Cup Finals and only the third time ever that the world's premier annual championships in the two Olympic equestrian disciplines are held concurrently.
Miss USA Pageant - April 2010
The glamour and glitz of Miss USA will return to Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on NBC from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Each contestant from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. For more information, please visit www.missuniverse.com.
Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&R Festival - April 2010
Michael Schivo Presents has teamed up with Las Vegas Events (LVE), the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), 105.7 Smooth Jazz, KJLH Radio Free and KTWV radio - The Wave in Los Angeles -- to co-sponsor the 18th Annual Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz Festival. By popular demand, the festival now has a new location at Government Amphitheater. For more information, please visit www.yourjazz.com.
MAY:
Vegas Uncork'd - May 6 - 9, 2010
The 4rd Annual Vegas Uncork'd epicurean events, presented by Bon Appétit magazine, will be held in the Entertainment Capital of the World". Featuring Las Vegas' top culinary talent-including celebrated chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Tom Colicchio, Todd English and Bobby Flay-Vegas Uncork'd is made possible by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and anchored by Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and Wynn Las Vegas. Co-sponsored by Greenspun Media Group and Southern Wine & Spirits, Vegas Uncork'd is known for creating an extraordinary culinary experience for visitors and showcases a selection of star-studded events across
the city. For more information, please visit www.vegasuncorked.com.
Supercross Series National Finals - May 2010
The Supercross Series is an off-road motorcycle race. Widely regarded as the king of extreme sports, Amp'd Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series is considered the NASCAR of motocross. Some of the world's greatest athletes compete in what has been described as the most physically demanding sport in existence.
For more information, go to supercrossonline.com
Laughlin Weekend of Wheels - May 2010
This third annual event will feature cars, cars and more cars. Various activities will include Show 'n' Shines; Slow Drag, Burn-Out and Roaring Engine Competitions; a Poker Trivia Walk; Free Live Oldies Music and Entertainment; Peoples Choice/Crowd Pleaser Trophies and Awards; Drawings and Give-Away Prizes, Vendors; and a Car &
Parts Corral.
Las Vegas Helldorado Days - May 2010
A Las Vegas tradition since 1934, Helldorado Days recaptures the spirit of the Old West. Helldorado features a PRCA rodeo, spectacular parade, western village, poker and golf tournaments and a host of other events.
Mesquite Amateur Golf Championship - May 2010
Now in its eighth year, the Mesquite Amateur is one of the nation's largest amateur golf tournaments. A 54-hole net championship allows players from different genders, age groups and handicap ranges to compete against each other.
JUNE:
CineVegas Film Festival - June 2010
The 12th Annual CineVegas Film Festival will be held in June 2010 at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres. CineVegas combines the excitement of red carpet premieres (such as OCEAN'S 13 in 2007 and THE ROCKER and GET SMART in 2008) with the glitz and glamour of Vegas. The Festival annually presents the best new independent films, documentaries and shorts, as well as parties up and down the famed Las Vegas strip. Each year, CineVegas also includes in-depth celebrity tributes with some of today's most talented actors and directors, including Viggo Mortensen, Don Cheadle, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Penn and Jack Nicholson. Trevor Groth, a senior programmer at the iconic Sundance Film Festival, serves as the Artistic Director for CineVegas. And since 2004, famed actor, director and artist Dennis Hopper has served as Chairman of the CineVegas Creative Advisory Board.
FSE Vegas Cruise - June 2010
The 10th Annual Vegas Cruise will roll into downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. An estimated 200 pre-1972 show quality cars will be on display. Participants spend the day under the canopy displaying their vehicles and then dance the night away to free concerts featuring the classic tunes of the 50s & 60s.
Laughlin River Days - June 2010
Fans can watch lightweight tunnel boats race on the Colorado River at speeds in excess of 135 mph at Laughlin River Days. These high-performance powerboats challenge the most seasoned professionals, with the sharpest and fastest turns on the water.
JULY:
Rockets Over the River - July 4, 2009
The annual Independence Day fireworks show in Laughlin is open to the public at no cost with viewing space available along the entire Laughlin River Walk. Choreographed music simulcast by Laughlin resorts and radio stations surround the town and accompany the patriotic pyrotechnics.
NBA Summer League - July 10 - 19, 2009
Get ready for some great sporting action as the NBA returns to Las Vegas for Summer League. The Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion will once again host some of the top up-and-coming stars in the NBA with Summer League games July 10-19. The NBA Summer League provides recently drafted rookies their first taste of professional level
competition and lets free agent veterans try to earn a roster spot on a new team.
AUGUST:
Fantasy Football Super Draft - August 27 - 30, 2009
Las Vegas will be the home for the kickoff of fantasy football season with the Fantasy Football Super Draft 2009 from August 27 - 30. The destination will host an entire weekend of activities, draft parties and specials to mark the start of another season. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic will perform at the opening tailgate party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on August 28 and a surprise performance is slated for another tailgate party at The Mirage. Draft rooms will be full of action with owners mulling over their options for quarterback, wide receiver, defense and more on August 29 at The Mirage and Hard Rock.
SEPTEMBER:
SCORE Primm 300 - September 11 - 13, 2009
The 13th annual SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300 will feature the top off-road drivers as they test their skills on a challenging desert course. The start/finish line is located near Buffalo Bill's Resort, which is approximately 35 miles south of Las Vegas along Interstate 15. For more information, please visit www.score-international.com.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race - September 26, 2009
This year marks the 14th season for the NASCAR Truck Series in Las Vegas. This fall, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com.
OCTOBER:
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event - October 8 - 10, 2009
Collector car auctions have enjoyed mainstream popularity in the past few years thanks in large part to Barrett-Jackson. Now the famous auction company will come to Las Vegas for an auction event featuring approximately 600 classic cars at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Cars range from muscle cars to pre-war antiques.
Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open (PGA Tour) - October 12 - 18, 2009
Top PGA Tour golfers compete in Las Vegas for one of the largest purses on the PGA Tour. The action takes place at TPC Summerlin and features professional and pro-am competitions, celebrity events and a kids clinic with Justin Timberlake. For moe information, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com.
RE/MAX World Long Drive Championships - October 25 - 30, 2009
Held annually in Mesquite, the longest hitters in the game of golf compete in the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship. For more information, please visit www.longdrivers.com.
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series - October 29 - November 1, 2009
The sheer power and speed of the NHRA returns to Las Vegas for 23 races featuring the top drag racers in the world. Four professional racing classes will headline the competition including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com.
Professional Bull Riders World Finals - October 29 - November 8, 2009
The 2009 Professional Bull Riders' (PBR) Built Ford Tough World Finals presented by Wrangler will showcase the greatest bull riding athletes in Las Vegas at Thomas & Mack Center. This event features eight rounds of competition, 45 of the world's bravest professional bull riders and 300 of the toughest bucking bulls on the planet.
NOVEMBER:
Latin Grammy Awards - November 5, 2009
The 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center for the second time. Nominations will be announced Sept. 17, 2009.
Wendy's Three-Tour Challenge - November 6 - 10, 2009
The 18th Annual Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge, benefiting adoption, is a professional golf tournament pitting the top three players from the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours against each other for tour bragging rights and a share of a $1 million purse. Golfers will play Rio Secco and Cascata golf courses in Las Vegas.
DECEMBER:
Miss Rodeo America Pageant - December 2009
The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held annually in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. State rodeo queens compete for the coveted crown of Miss Rodeo America by competing in the areas of appearance, horsemanship and personality. For more information, please visit www.missrodeoamerica.com.
FSE Holiday Festival - December 2009
Fremont Street Experience hosts its annual 12-day Holiday Festival each December featuring millions of twinking lights, a classic Santa with sassy showgirls and live world-class entertainment. Festivities kick-off with the official holiday tree lighting by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and continues with nightly holiday shows. For more
information, visit www.vegasexperience.com.
FSE Downtown Hoedown - December 2009
Fremont Street Experience hosts the kick-off party for the National Finals Rodeo featuring free, live concerts and plenty of two-steppin' fun. For more information, visit www.vegasexperience.com .
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo - December 3 - 12, 2009
For nearly two weeks surrounding the world's greatest rodeo, Las Vegas immerses itself in the spirit of the American West. Featuring Cowboy Christmas, Miss Rodeo America, and concerts by country music's brightest stars, the NFR is a celebration of cowboy culture, Vegas style. For more information, please visit www.nfrexperience.com.
NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show - December 3 - 12, 2009
The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, the longest-running and only official gift show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodea, returns to Las Vegas with more wares to keep even the most avid shopper entertained all ten days. Conveniently located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show floor spans more than 300,000 square feet and includes more than 400 vendors selling jewelry, western wear, boots, art and much more.
Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon - December 6, 2009
Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas is now part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, a national series of musically themed marathons and half marathons. The concept combines live entertainment with 26.2- and 13.1-mile race courses starting on Las Vegas Boulevard near Mandalay Bay. The race draws more than 20,000 runners and walkers and includes run-through weddings and running Elvis excitement. For more information, please visit www.rnrvegas.com.
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl - December 22, 2009
The Las Vegas Bowl features the second selection from the Mountain West Conference and the fifth selection from the Pac-10 Conference. The game is televised nationally on ESPN from Sam Boyd Stadium. The bowl game attracts more than 40,000 fans annually. For more information, please visit www.lvbowl.com.
America's Party: Las Vegas New Year - December 31, 2009
America's Party is the official moniker coined by the LVCVA and Las Vegas Events to signify the annual citywide celebration of New Year's Eve. Festivities include a themed fireworks extravaganza on the Las Vegas Strip and live concerts and fireworks under the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience.
For more information, go to www.LasVegasEvents.com.
